“The underground volcanic lava pipes by the Jingbo Lake are the most similar environment on Earth to the underground space of the moon. I hope our forward-looking research can serve China’s lunar exploration program,” Li Jiaqi, a researcher at Peking University, told China Central Television (CCTV).<\/p>\n
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China is practicing robotic moon exploration in a lava cave here on Earth. (Image credit: CCTV)<\/p>\n
Experimental robots are already being used to test conducting autonomous exploration and multi-functional operations in the simulated lunar environment.<\/p>\n
“Compared with traditional lunar roving vehicles and exploration robots, it has stronger environmental adaptability and flexibility,” said Li Xianglong, a doctoral student from the Harbin Institute of Technology. “When exploring the underground space of the moon for the future, it can possess more precise perception, decision-making and operation capabilities.”<\/p>\n
Students also set up seismometers in the area to serve as a reference for future lunar experiments. China’s Chang’e 7<\/a> mission to the lunar south pole, set to launch sometime in 2026, will carry a seismograph to study the moon’s interior and detect moonquakes<\/a>, caused by tidal forces from Earth, and temperature changes affecting the lunar surface. China plans to establish an International Lunar Research Station<\/a> (ILRS) in the 2030s.<\/p>\n